Stephen Osumba: Inside His Rise From Tena Estate to KCB Rugby Stardom

Growing up in Umoja’s Tena Estate, KCB rugby star Stephen Osumba always seemed destined for sport.

His parents encouraged extracurricular activities, and football quickly became his first passion. He played in the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) tournaments, never imagining that rugby would one day define his life.

That turning point came at St. Mary’s School, Yala. In Form Two, Stephen Osumba discovered rugby, the pride of the school.

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“I wanted to be part of something that brought joy and pride to the school,” he recalls. Inspired by Yala’s rugby legends like Eden Agero and Isaac Adimo, he made the bold switch from football to rugby.

Stephen Osumba’s big break arrived in his final year of high school at the national championships, where KCB scouts noticed his talent.

He soon joined KCB RFC, though the transition was not without its challenges. “I would say size was my biggest challenge,” Osumba admits. But he proved his worth in 2018 when KCB won the Floodlit Tournament, with Osumba crowned Most Valuable Player.

“Playing for KCB is a dream come true. The club’s history demands the best from you, and wearing the jersey gives me the belief that anything is possible.”

Now firmly established as a fly-half, Stephen Osumba relishes the responsibility of being the team’s architect, dictating attacking play and organising defence.

His growth has been shaped by guidance from teammates like Samuel Asati and Vincent Onyala, along with coaches Dennis Mwanja and strength coach Andrew Amonde.

Away from rugby, Stephen Osumba has also carved out a meaningful life. A recent graduate in International Studies from Strathmore University, he dedicates time to volunteering at Promise Giving Children’s Home.

He credits rugby with teaching him patience, discipline, and resilience, values that have shaped both his sporting and personal journey.

His ambitions are clear; he wants to win the Kenya Cup with KCB and to don the national colours for both Shujaa and Simbas.

“There’s no greater feeling than representing your country,” he says.

Though teammates may fondly call him the ‘class clown,’ Stephen Osumba hopes his true legacy will be defined by his performances on the pitch and his role in elevating Kenyan rugby to new heights.